Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Johns Hopkins University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at Johns Hopkins University combines traditional civil engineering with systems thinking, data analysis, and design to prepare students to address complex challenges involving structures, transportation, energy, water, and other interconnected infrastructure systems. It suits students who want a strongly technical, hands-on engineering education while exploring areas such as structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, smart cities and transportation, energy systems, engineering mechanics, and materials.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Students establish the scientific, mathematical, computing, and engineering foundations of the degree through courses such as AS.110.108 Calculus I (Physical Sciences & Engineering), AS.171.101 General Physics: Physical Science Majors I, and EN.560.100 Civilization Engineered: Structures and Systems. The first year also introduces graphical communication, physical and computational modeling, data-driven engineering, and the relationship between engineered infrastructure and society.

Second Year: Students progress into deeper mathematical and engineering analysis through subjects including AS.110.202 Calculus III, EN.553.291 Linear Algebra and Differential Equations, and the CaSE fundamentals sequence. These studies develop skills in engineering design, data analysis, mathematical decision-making, and understanding the societal impacts of engineered structures and infrastructure systems.

Third Year: The curriculum moves into the core areas of civil engineering, with students developing knowledge across structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, smart cities and transportation, and energy systems. Students also take EN.560.391 CaSE Careers I and EN.560.392 CaSE Careers II, which introduce professional engineers and organizations involved in the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of infrastructure.

Fourth Year: Students bring their technical knowledge together through advanced technical electives and the two-semester senior design sequence, EN.560.401 Design Theory and Practice and EN.560.402 CaSE Capstone Design Project. The senior year also prepares students for professional practice through the required Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam, the first step toward professional engineering licensure in the United States.

Focus areas:

Structural Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Smart Cities & Transportation, Energy Systems, Engineering Mechanics, Materials, Data Analysis, Infrastructure Systems.

Learning outcomes:

Complex engineering problem-solving, engineering design, effective communication, ethical and professional judgment, teamwork and leadership, experimentation and data analysis, and continuous acquisition of new engineering knowledge.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

ABET accreditation: The B.S. in Civil Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under the General Criteria and the Program Criteria for Civil and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

Reputation (employability rankings):

U.S. News: Johns Hopkins' Civil Engineering program was ranked No. 17 (tied) nationally in the 2026 U.S. News graduate engineering specialty rankings; this is a graduate-program ranking rather than an undergraduate-specific ranking. Johns Hopkins University was also ranked No. 9 among U.S. national universities in the 2026 U.S. News Best Colleges rankings.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The B.S. in Civil Engineering at Johns Hopkins University is strongly hands-on, with students applying engineering concepts through laboratory work, design activities, research, and collaborative projects. The curriculum includes practical experiences from the early years and culminates in a two-semester senior capstone, where students work in teams to develop solutions to real civil-engineering challenges. Students also have access to specialized laboratories, fabrication equipment, computational resources, and design spaces within the Department of Civil & Systems Engineering.

Practical learning opportunities include:

Hands-on engineering laboratories: Undergraduate students work in laboratories covering statics, mechanics of materials, dynamics, and other engineering topics, with facilities including an 11-kip MTS universal testing machine, laser cutter, Dremel DigiLab 3D printer, National Instruments DAQ systems, and LabVIEW software.
Geotechnical laboratory: Students conduct practical experiments involving soil classification, direct shear, triaxial testing, permeability, unconfined compression, seepage, consolidation, and concrete testing, including use of a 250,000-lb concrete compression testing machine.
Design studio: The Undergraduate Design Studio provides a dedicated collaborative environment where students can work together on engineering projects, coursework, and design activities.
3D printing and fabrication: Students can develop physical prototypes using departmental stereolithography 3D printers, carbon-fiber 3D printing, laser cutting, and other fabrication and testing equipment.
Computational tools: The department maintains a Computing Cluster, while the undergraduate teaching laboratory includes dedicated workstations using MTS TestSuite and LabVIEW for materials and engineering experiments.
Research experience: Undergraduates have opportunities to work with faculty on research, gaining experience in research environments and contributing to ongoing civil and systems engineering projects.
CaSE Experiences: The curriculum includes dedicated experience courses through which students collaborate on hands-on projects, develop new skills, interact with invited professionals, and learn how to develop and conduct research programs.
Team-based capstone: During the senior year, students complete EN.560.401 Design Theory and Practice and EN.560.402 Integrated Design Project/Capstone Design Project over two semesters, applying their engineering knowledge to substantial design challenges.
Real-world community projects: The 2026 Design Day program shows civil engineering teams working with Baltimore community partners, including the Community Law Center and Fayette Street Outreach, on a vacant rowhome façade stabilization project intended to support an outdoor community space.
Professional exposure: The CaSE Careers I/II sequence introduces students to professional engineers and organizations involved in designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining civil infrastructure systems.
Engineering Design Center: Civil engineering students can access university-wide design resources, including WSE Manufacturing, advanced 3D-printing and laser-cutting facilities, a self-service machine shop, welding facilities, and the Johns Hopkins Makerspace for prototyping and collaborative projects.
Research facilities: Departmental facilities include the Thin-walled Structures Laboratory, Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory, High Temperature Materials Testing Rig, High Temperature Structure Testing Rig, MicroCT system, and advanced manufacturing equipment, supporting undergraduate and research activities.
FE examination preparation: Civil engineering majors complete the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam during their senior year, providing an early step toward professional engineering licensure in the United States.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.S. in Civil Engineering at Johns Hopkins University prepares graduates for careers spanning engineering consulting, construction, infrastructure, transportation, structural engineering, and sustainability. The program also provides a strong foundation for graduate study, while its combination of civil engineering, systems thinking, data, and analytics supports careers addressing resilient cities, energy infrastructure, transportation, and other complex societal challenges.

Typical career roles: Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, Transportation Engineer, Construction Engineer:

Career services: The JHU Life Design Lab helps civil engineering students with resume preparation, interviewing, job and internship searches, and broader career planning. The Civil & Systems Engineering department also organizes an annual career fair where students can connect directly with employers and alumni, while ASCE Maryland provides additional networking opportunities through monthly meetings and career nights.
Employment opportunities: The department reports that its graduates pursue careers in engineering consulting and construction, as well as opportunities beyond traditional engineering such as finance, real estate, and the military. Nearly 100% of undergraduate Civil & Systems Engineering students participate in research before graduation, giving students additional experience that can support professional or academic progression.
Salary figures: The university's Civil & Systems Engineering department cites ASCE data indicating that median salaries for civil engineers exceed $120,000 annually. This figure is associated with the department's broader civil engineering career information and should not be interpreted as a guaranteed salary for JHU graduates.
University–industry partnerships: JHU's department hosts an employer-focused career fair with organizations including Turner Construction, Thornton Tomasetti, Stantec, RK&K, Whiting-Turner, Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration, Pennoni, Exponent, and Simpson Gumpertz & Heger. These employers participate in recruiting and networking with students for internships and full-time opportunities.
Professional accreditation: The B.S. in Civil Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under the Civil and Similarly Named Engineering Programs criteria. The accreditation framework emphasizes graduates' ability to solve complex engineering problems, design with consideration for public safety and environmental factors, communicate effectively, work in teams, conduct experiments, and apply new knowledge.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates move into professional engineering and construction careers or continue into graduate programs in engineering. JHU also notes that some Civil Engineering graduates pursue medical school, law school, dental school, finance, real estate, and military careers, reflecting the degree's broader applicability.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S., students can continue into graduate-level study in civil engineering and related disciplines. Johns Hopkins offers an MSE in Civil Engineering, with coursework and research options covering areas such as structural engineering, infrastructure resilience, mechanics of materials, fire engineering, and earthquake engineering; students can also pursue other graduate programs through JHU's interdisciplinary engineering environment.